Sam Hallam murder case goes to Court of Appeal

Sam Hallam and his mother Wendy

After seven years in prison, Sam Hallam, the Hoxton man who maintains his innocence in a contentious murder case, is to have a Court of Appeal hearing next month.

Although the only evidence placing Mr Hallam at the scene of the crime were inconsistent statements, the 24-year-old was sentenced to life in prison for killing Ethiopian refugee, Essayas Kassahun, in 2004.

The Justice for Sam Campaign has gained momentum over the years, with widespread support from family, friends, the community and high profile figures such as actor Ray Winstone.

Last year the Criminal Cases Review Commission conducted a rare assessment which found fresh evidence suggesting Mr Hallam was not present at the crime and referred the case to the Court of Appeal.

The Justice for Sam campaign manager, Paul May, is calling for all of Mr Hallam’s supporters to attend the appeal hearing, which will be held on Wednesday 16 May and Thursday 17 May at the Royal Courts of Justice, Strand.

Mr May said: “Very few people were present in 2007 when the Court of Appeal ignored glaring deficiencies in the case against Sam Hallam and upheld his conviction. This time around we’re asking for maximum public attention on his appeal hearing and the evidence supporting his innocence.”

Mr Hallam’s mother, Wendy Cohen, said: “Hopefully this means a nightmare over. We’re going through hell. We just want Sam to come home after all he’s been through – this should never have happened.

“I’ve got no faith in the system and I still think it could go wrong, the way it has gone wrong before. We’re all anxious and it’s my other kids as well, what they’ve gone through; we’re having a lot of problems.

“I just want him out, we’ve had enough. It’s awful what it’s done, horrible. All the emotions you’ve got to deal with, it’s terrible.”

Events in aid of Mr Hallam’s campaign include an art exhibition themed around injustice, which depicts artist Patrick Maguire’s work, who was himself a victim of a miscarriage of justice in 1976, as one of the Maguire Seven.

Mr Maguire has collaborated with printmaker, Kip Gresham, to create Barcode – a powerful centrepiece depicting significant numbers and dates in Mr Hallam’s life.

An eve of appeal vigil will see clergy deliver a dedication for justice and traditional Irish musicians will provide entertainment with yellow balloons being released to symbolise Mr Hallam’s hopes for freedom.

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The Patrick Maguire art exhibition will be held on Saturday 5 May 5 and Sunday 6 May at the Green Hut, New North Road in Hoxton.

The limited edition print has been screen printed and ten signed copies will be open for bids from £250 and posters will be available for £5 – all proceeds go towards Mr Hallam’s campaign.

The eve of appeal vigil will be held on Tuesday 15 May between 7.30 and 9.30pm, in the grounds of St John’s Church, Pitfield Street, Hoxton.

For more information go to Sam Hallam.

Related: more on Sam Hallam.